Young scientists get hands-on learning experience at new Spark!Lab

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Hands-on learning is one of the best ways to learn. Now there's a Spark!Lab dedicated to doing just that. There are only three in the world. Lucky for metro residents, one is located right here in Kansas City at Union Station.

The Smithsonian developed the hands-on learning experience to invite children into the mad world of science. While some built cars, nine-year-old Ben Edwards built a school.

"This is a two building school, two rooms here and two rooms here," he said of his structure.

The lab at Union Station is the newest of the three nationwide, but Edwards felt right at home. He already considers himself a scientist.

"Everything you do is science. Everything you see was made by scientists," said Edwards.

Although Edwards is only in the third grade, he says science can change the world, and that's what he plans to do.

"I was born with a small leg, so I want to help the people that's kind of like me," he said.

That's exactly what Spark!Lab is about -- to engage minds and let children know that anything is possible. For Edwards, science is knowing you've accomplished something.

It took a grant of nearly $70,000 and eight months to build Kansas City's Spark!Lab.